The 4 Pillars of Retention
Catholic Identity
Catholic schools are a ministry of the Church and their purpose is to educate the whole person and to “order the whole of human culture to the news of salvation”. This begins with frequent opportunities for reception of the sacraments. As Michael Naughton so aptly wrote, Catholic faith integration should not be “Catholic frosting on a secular cake.” The whole curriculum must be oriented toward understanding the human desire for God and our journey toward Heaven. In literature our students may discuss the development of characters as human beings, their virtues and vices, and how language can convey truths that are universal and transcendent. In history our students will debate motivating values, philosophies, and theologies and then demonstrate how those values shaped human culture and events. Math and science must be orientated toward the beauty of God’s creation and the natural order of the universe.
Academic Outcomes
Instruction must be excellent and designed to meet the needs of all students. Sometimes, teachers, in their creativity, lose sight of these evidenced-based practices. As much as we want parents to seek us for religious formation, all research indicates this is not the case. Academic excellence usually ranks above religious instruction. If your academic instruction is not any different than the local public school, then why should parents spend the money on tuition? We also have a Biblical call to excellence. Taking this a step further, we should not quickly cast aside the student with an “a-typical” learner profile. Most of their needs can be met using the appropriate instructional strategies.
Family Focused Operations
Everything from the calendar to tuition payment processes must be centered on what is best for families. Additionally, if your operations are geared toward families with one parent at home full-time, then you are missing the mark. Communication is a key strategy here. Provide weekly updates to your families with ample notice of dress-down days, bake sales, or changes in schedule. Make the experience so easy and convenient, families will not have a moment of frustration that propels them to look elsewhere.
Ample Resources
I hate hearing the phrase “Catholic schools do not have the resources”. It diminishes us. At the same time, I am pragmatic enough to understand that this is a reality for many Catholic schools. My advice: work on a streamlined strategic plan and make a firm decision about what you want to be in the market place. Start with the projects that will strengthen the program you have and move you closer to the vision. As the feedback demonstrates excellence, you will find donors who want to invest in special projects that further the mission. Continually upgrade and invest in innovation. At the same time, be weary of trying to improve or create too many projects at once. Stop telling families you don’t have the resources, and find the resources!